Curalina Takes CCA Oaks by Disqualification

Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners' Curalina secured her second straight grade I victory July 26, but this one came via disqualification in the $300,000 Coaching Club American Oaks  at Saratoga Race Course.



After it appeared pacesetter I'm a Chatterbox was pulling away in the stretch, Curalina found more and re-rallied to the outside but could not get past I'm a Chatterbox, who held on by a nose at the wire.



But after reviewing replays, Saratoga stewards ruled I'm a Chatterbox came into Curalina's path deep in the stretch and disqualified the top finisher to second, installing the Todd Pletcher-trained Curalina as the winner.



I'm a Chatterbox, sent immediately from the outside post, set fractions of :23.54, :46.99, and 1:11.27 through six furlongs, with Curalina tracking just off the pace. I'm a Chatterbox, ridden by Florent Geroux, hit a mile in 1:36.72 and finished the 1 1/8 miles in 1:49.74.



Curalina, a daughter of Curlin   with John Velazquez aboard, paid $3.90, $2.60, and $2.10 across the board. I'm a Chatterbox brought $3.40 and $2.60, while hard-closing Include Betty brought $3.20 to show for her third-place finish.



Danette closed for fourth, followed by Chide, Keen Pauline, and Conquest Eclipse, to complete the order of finish. Wonder Gal was scratched.